Ronald Koeman hailed his side’s “huge” win over Stoke and confirmed Saints will appeal Sadio Mane’s red card.

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Saints climbed above their hosts with a 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium thanks to two goals from Graziano Pelle.

It put them right back in the frame for European qualification, much to Koeman’s delight.

He said: “It is a huge win against a strong Stoke, playing at home a difficult place to come.

“We spoke to the players about today and next week (against Liverpool) that will mark our situation until the end of the season.

“Great response of the reaction of the players. Really well deserved three points.

“We made it difficult for ourselves because we didn’t score a big chance before half time and then it’s 3-0 up and of course we expect a different Stoke second half.

“After the 2-1 I was worried but I think we had a great reaction on the pitch.

“Back in control of the game, the better chances and until the last second very emotional.

“Some decisions not decisions for us and then I talk about the penalty and the red card but still three points and well deserved.”

Daily Echo:

The only sour note of the game was that red card for Mane, which came at the start of stoppage time just 15 minutes after he had come on as a sub.

Mane ran towards Erik Pieters with both players jumping to win the ball.

Mane’s momentum knocked Pieters over and referee Lee Mason gave him a straight red card, presumably thinking he had led with his elbow.

Koeman confirmed Saints will appeal.

“The red card is a big mistake of the referee or maybe the fourth referee or the linesman,” he said.

“Sadio is trying to put his head to the ball, Pieters is doing the same and Pieters told me after the same and we will appeal against that red card.”